Kingdom Plantae Genus Oak Order Fagales | Family Fagaceae Rank Species | |
Similar Oak, Pinus roxburghii, Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercus lamellosa, Quercus incana | ||
Quercus leucotrichophora is a tree belonging to Family Fagaceae; commonly known as Banjh oak. In Nepal, it is known as Banjhi, Rainj, Khasarant, Tikhe bhanjh in Standard Nepali and Sulsing in Tamang language. Some authors named it as Quercus incana Roxburgh.
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Description
Quercus leucotrichophora is an evergreen tree bearing stalked, ovate to lancolate, acuminate, serrate, leathery, and dark green leaves which are glabrous above and densely white or gray pubescent beneath. Male flowers are slender and drooping spikes. Female spikes are sessile and axillary. An acorn is solitary.
Phenology and reproduction
Quercus leucotrichophora flowers in April to May and fruits in August to October. Naturally, it regenerates via seeds.
Ecology and distribution
Quercus leucotrichophora is distributed in Northern India, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In Nepal, it naturally occurs at 1500-2700 m in forested areas in association with Rhododendron arboreum. It distributes as dominant species in some forests of Garhwal Himalaya also.
Economic value
In Nepal, Quercus leucotrichophora is lopped for fodder. Its wood is used in building purposes and as a good fuel.
Diseases
The tree is affected with many types of leaf galls caused by different types of insects. Many Cecidomyiidae genera such as Asphondylia, Lasioptera and Dasineura are known to cause plant galls. An unknown Itonididae (cecidomyiid) caused pouch leaf galls on the tree.